N-Korea Tests Mid-Range Missile During U.S. Secretary Of State Blinken’s Visit To South Korea
Adedokun Waliyu 
The missile traveled over 1,100 kilometers (690 miles) eastward before landing in the sea.
North Korea conducted a long-range missile test on Monday, coinciding with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to the region.
Blinken was in Seoul, South Korea, not North Korea, when the test occurred. In response to the test, Blinken emphasized the need for enhanced cooperation between the United States, South Korea, and Japan to address the growing threat posed by Pyongyang.
This move is the latest in a series of missile tests by North Korea, which has been steadily increasing its military capabilities, including the development of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs).
According to South Korea’s military, North Korea launched what appeared to be an intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) around noon (0300 GMT), Reuters reports.
The missile traveled over 1,100 kilometers (690 miles) eastward before landing in the sea.
Speaking at a news conference hours later, Blinken emphasized the importance of trilateral collaboration, including real-time missile data sharing and joint military drills, in addressing the threat.
“Today’s launch is a stark reminder of how vital our cooperative efforts are,” he said.
Blinken also expressed concern over North Korea’s increasing ties with Russia. He noted that Washington believes Moscow intends to exchange space and satellite technology with Pyongyang in return for its support in the Ukraine war, where over 1,000 North Korean soldiers have reportedly been killed or injured.
Monday’s missile test was North Korea’s first since November 5, when it launched at least seven short-range ballistic missiles.
While the specific missile type remains unclear, recent IRBM tests by Pyongyang have featured solid-fuel designs equipped with hypersonic glide vehicles, capable of maneuvering to evade missile defenses.
North Korea has stated its goal of transitioning all missile systems to solid fuel. These missiles are easier to operate, require less logistical support, and are more difficult to detect than liquid-fuel weapons, making them a critical focus of Pyongyang’s evolving arsenal.
